Imran Khan Speaks from Adiala Jail: A Scathing Critique of Pakistan Political System
Islamabad
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has labeled Pakistan as one of the most politically corrupt countries in the world, currently grappling with a severe democratic crisis. Speaking to lawyers and media representatives at Adiala Jail, Khan alleged that the country’s elections are consistently manipulated by the military, which ultimately determines who becomes the next Prime Minister.
Khan claimed that Pakistan is now under the control of intermediaries, specifically targeting Sikandar Sultan Raja, whom he accused of orchestrating the theft of the 2024 elections. He demanded legal action under Article 6 of the Constitution against Raja to prevent future electoral fraud. Khan also questioned the rapid rise of Mohsin Naqvi, alleging that he has been unjustly granted significant positions of power. He criticized Naqvi as an incompetent figure who is merely a puppet of others and unfit to handle critical national and security matters.
Khan called on the Pakistani public to stage nationwide protests on February 8 to oppose what he termed the “historic robbery” of their electoral mandate. He condemned the formation of what he called an “accelerated government,” referring to the ruling coalition led by a party that secured only 17 seats in the elections. Khan accused the government of systematically dismantling Pakistan’s institutions.
Supporting the February 10 call by bar associations and lawyers for judicial independence, Khan emphasized that stability is impossible without the rule of law, which depends on an independent judiciary. He criticized the misuse of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it was employed to weaken the judiciary and undermine the Constitution, sparking widespread public anger.
Khan also condemned the recently passed Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), describing it as a tool to stifle dissent and impose martial law on social media, the last platform for free expression. He called it a “shameful attempt to silence voices” that could lead to international sanctions. Khan argued that if PECA were to be enforced, the first person it should target is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whom he accused of legitimizing the most rigged elections in Pakistan’s history and denying the November 26 massacre.
Khan reiterated his demand for a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of November 26 and May 9, stressing the regime’s complicity in these events. He stated that the current government has no interest in uncovering the truth and warned that the absence of a neutral umpire undermines the quest for justice.
Additionally, Khan condemned the federal government’s violation of the 18th Amendment by appointing its preferred Inspector General (IG) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rejecting the provincial government’s nominees. He instructed provincial leader Ali Amin to protect the rights of the people, warning of dire consequences if workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face the same suppression seen in other provinces. Khan urged immediate action against any injustices, including the dismissal of the federally appointed IG.
